Myths Tall Tales And Half Truths Of Cape Cod

Cape Cod, one of the nation's oldest regions, can claim many firsts, but not as many as some want you to believe. Boastfulness, tall tales and plain stretching the truth about history is widely practiced in this tourist mecca. Even esteemed institutions such as churches and historical societies are nimble in the art of gilding the lily. Discover where The Wizard of Oz film really premiered, whether Mercy Otis Warren had a hand in writing the Bill of Rights and who invented the hole in the doughnut. Along the way, you'll find out where the country's oldest Congregational meetinghouse is located, and whether "Mad Jack" was a thieving scoundrel. Local author and historian James Ellis separates fact from fiction.

Introduction -- Ancient Cape Cod -- Legendary miscreants -- The arctic explorer from Provincetown -- Fantastic creatures -- Murder most foul -- Gentle legends -- The disappearance of Billingsgate Island -- Village vignettes -- Unsolved mysteries -- Medical Maladies -- Haunted places -- Wampanoag tales -- Cape Cod oddities -- Ill-fated sea voyages -- Local legends -- Believe it or not -- Goblins and ghosts -- Inspirational legends -- The auctioneer and the air crash -- Hurricanes and other disasters -- UFO sightings: fact or fiction -- Cape eccentrics -- Legendary Hyannis Port.

photos and passages submitted by 139 residents of Cape Cod.

An original children's book that tells the history of Cape Cod in rhyming verse. Beautifully illustrated with whimsical line drawings. The melodious text sings a sweet fable, sure to delight children of all ages. "Come meet the Pilgrims, the Presidents, the Vikings; Feel warm summer winds, or nor'easter lightnings.... Come hear the legends, the amazing, the odd; Come hear the true story, that is known as Cape Cod." The book is also a wonderful learning tool, as it is filled with entertaining historical anecdotes. Complete with historical timeline from 70 million BC to 1990, & a map of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, & Nantucket. Whether they are Cape Cod natives, vacation on the Cape & Islands, or just want to visit the region through the pages of this charming book, children are sure to treasure THE STORY OF CAPE COD. Write for information to Cape Cod Life, 4 Barlows Landing Road, Suite 14, P.O. Box 1385, Pocasset, MA 02559. Or telephone toll-free: 1-800-645-4482.